Bugs are buzzing around, and their bites can be quite irritating. When you’re dealing with itchy bug bite inflammation, you may be tempted to reach for calamine lotion or another anti-itch cream. While calamine lotion is safe for humans, it’s not recommended for pets.
Just like human sunscreens, calamine lotion contains zinc oxide, which can harm a dog’s red blood cells. This can lead to anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious health issues. Some over-the-counter creams also contain zinc acetate, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested.
It’s crucial to avoid using zinc-containing products on your dog or allowing them to lick your skin where these products have been applied. Dogs can obtain zinc, an essential mineral, through their food. However, they have a tendency to lick or chew on topicals, which can lead to zinc toxicosis.
What can be used to control inflammation and itchy skin on dogs?
According to W. Jean Dodds and Hemopet, calendula creams or oils are recommended. Calendula is an anti-inflammatory agent that soothes itchy and inflamed skin. It can be used for various purposes such as minor cuts, bug bites, scrapes, chafing, minor burns, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and more.
Beware of Calendula Creams with Hydrocortisone
While some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams contain calendula, they may also contain hydrocortisone. It’s best to avoid using hydrocortisone on your companion pet, as overdosing on cortisone can cause increased thirst, urination, panting, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Finding the Underlying Cause
If your dog is constantly itching, it’s important to determine the underlying cause. While this article focuses on relief from bug bites, calendula can help with various types of skin inflammation throughout the year. However, if your dog’s itching is not solely due to bug bites, it’s advisable to have them tested for seasonal and environmental allergies, as well as food sensitivities.
For food sensitivities, the NutriScan Food Sensitivity and Intolerance Test, which tests saliva, is recommended. For other causes, blood/serum allergy or skin patch testing can be performed. It’s important to remember that calendula, like newer products for itchy skin, provides relief from symptoms but does not cure the underlying cause. Identifying and avoiding allergens are integral parts of managing these conditions.
Can Bug Spray Be Used on Dogs?
You can use all-natural bug repellents on your companion pet. Bug Soother is one example, but only use them if the manufacturer states that the product is safe for pets. Additionally, make sure the bug repellent does not contain DEET or other harmful chemicals. It is also essential to ensure that these repellents are safe for use on human adults and children.
While all-natural bug repellents can help reduce the number of bug bites you and your dog may experience, it’s important to note that no repellent is 100% effective.
Mosquitoes, Fleas, and Ticks
For effective prevention of heartworm, Hemopet recommends giving prescription heartworm preventatives year-round, especially if you live in high-risk areas. The timing for starting these preventatives depends on the region and the presence of mosquitoes. Additionally, flea and tick products carry health risks, and using them as preventatives is unnecessary unless your pet is prone to fleas or you live in a tick-infested area.
If bugs do attach themselves to your pet, you can use flea shampoos, combs, or specially designed tick removers. While this may require a bit more effort, your companion pet’s health is worth it.
References:
Becker, Karen. “Some Topical Products May Be Dangerous to Your Pets.” Healthy Pets Mercola, link.
Campbell, Alexander, and Rosalind Dalefield. “Zinc Toxicity”. Vetstream, link.
Dodds, Jean. “Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy for Dogs and Cats”. Hemopet, 16 Oct. 2016, link.
Dodds, Jean. “FDA Issues Warning about Flea and Tick Products”. Hemopet, 7 Oct. 2018, link.
Dodds, Jean. “Heartworm: A Real and Present Danger”. Hemopet, 3 May 2015, link.
Dodds, Jean. “Sunscreen for Dogs”. Hemopet, 6 June 2016, link.